Life Hack: Sign Up For An AARP Card Even If You’re Not Old

When you think of the AARP card, what comes to mind? Grandparents, retirement, and bingo night, right? But did you know that the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers a wide range of benefits and deals for people of all ages? Yes, you heard that correctly. So before you dismiss the AARP card as something only your grandma uses, let me tell you why you might want to consider getting one for yourself.

The first misconception about the AARP card is that it's only for old people. Quite the contrary! You can be 18 years old and still apply for a membership. And why would you want to? Well, for starters, having an AARP card can save you money. Like... a good amount of money. Discounts are available on everything from groceries and clothing to hotels, restaurants, and movie tickets. With savings of up to 15% at some of the most popular, common stores, the AARP card can pay for itself in no time.

But wait, there's more! Did you know that being an AARP member gets you access to resources and information on things like healthcare, financial planning, and legal advice? AARP has a team of experts who can help you navigate these complex areas and make informed decisions that are right for you. And if you're a caregiver for a loved one, AARP provides tips and support to help you manage your responsibilities and take care of yourself as well.

Another benefit of being an AARP member is access to exclusive travel deals. Discounts are available on everything from car rentals to cruises to vacation packages. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, AARP can help you save money and make the most of your travel experience.

And if you're worried about the cost of becoming an AARP member, fear not. Membership is only $16 per year, and there are often special deals available that can reduce that cost even further. Plus, the benefits you receive are well worth the investment.

Like I said - the AARP card is not just for your grandma. With discounts, resources, travel deals, and more, the benefits of being an AARP member are numerous. If you're looking to save money and get access to expert advice and support, becoming an AARP member might be the right choice for you. Don't let the misconception of the AARP card being only for old people stop you from taking advantage of all the amazing benefits it has to offer.

Happy saving!

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For the first time in nearly two years, the new car average sale prices fell below the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). The average transaction price paid for a new vehicle in the United States declined in March 2023 to $48,008, according to Kelley Blue Book data. That’s a month-over-month decrease of 1.1%. This means that consumers paid less than the sticker price displayed on the window.

"Right now, in-market consumers are finding more inventory, more choice and dealers more willing to deal, at least with some brands," said Rebecca Rydzewski, auto-industry researcher at Kelley Blue Book's parent firm Cox Automotive.

According to their data, non-luxury buyers paid an average of $44,182. Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Volkswagen all saw their average price decline in March. Honda and Kia dealers still charged an average of 3% to 6% over sticker price. Their research also found that luxury buyers saw less of an improvement. They paid an average of $65,202.

New cars now average over $48,000 before taxes and fees. There are still new cars available for less than the average cost. As of May 2023, there are only three new vehicles that would cost $20,000 or less.

However, all three of these cars are small sedans with minimal cargo space and efficient gas mileage.

Take a look at the only 3 new cars under $20,000 or less.

The Kia Rio subcompact sedan starts at $17,875 and the Rio5 hatchback at $18,515. Both front-wheel-drive models come standard with a 120 hp four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a highway fuel economy rating of 41 mpg.

The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback starts at $17,340 and the Mirage G4 sedan is just $1,000 more. its three-cylinder engine rated at just 76 horsepower -- and the most-efficient non-hybrid vehicle, with the hatchback getting an EPA combined rating of 39 mpg.

The Nissan Versa sedan is priced at $16,925. It is roomy for the price and has a 122 hp four-cylinder under the hood, a standard 5-speed manual transmission, automatic emergency brakes, and a five-star NHTSA crash test rating. Models equipped with an automatic transmission start at $18,595 and have a 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating. A fully loaded version with adaptive cruise control, heated seats, and a wireless charging pad tops out at $20,215.